92+ 2005 Ridge Santa Cruz Mtns Cabernet/Merlot 6/20/08 ($36)
58% Cab, 42% Merlot 13.7% alc
Color: Deep purple-garnet.(3.0) Bouquet: Concentrated cassis and dusty blackberries with dried herbs and some black pepper. Excellent acidity and tannin. Pure, young and delicious with just enough cocoa oak. (3.5) Body: Light-heavyweight with fine balance of fruit to acid to tannin. (3.0) Flavor: Strong mid-palate with a lot of fruit and structure, paralleling bouquet, but even more giving. (3.5) Finish: Parallels flavor with a little chalky tannin/acidity. (3.0)
Overall: A very fine, cool-climate Bordeaux blend with great potential. Should improve in the next 5-7+ years. If drinking now, decant for 2 hours. (16.0)